The 10 Best Easy Hikes Near Seattle for Beginners (2024)
Hiking is one of my favorite activities to do all over the world. If you’ve read some of my other posts, you know I’m a Seattle local.
One of the best perks that comes with living here is having many amazing and easy hikes near Seattle. Since these hikes are in my backyard, I’ve done them many times.
While there are hikes all over the state, these are the best Western Washington hikes for beginners that are near downtown.
Every hike on this list is within a two-hour drive of the city, less than 8 miles roundtrip and less than 2000 feet of elevation gain.
Keep reading for the list my 10 favorite hikes near Seattle and tips for doing them!
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Top 10 Beginner Hikes Near Seattle
1. Dirty Harry’s Balcony
4.4 Miles / 1600 ft Elevation
Dirty Harry’s Balcony has an odd name but is a great hike. It’s in the Snoqualmie area, around an hour drive from downtown Seattle.
This hike has the perfect combination of inclines, declines, and flats. Once you are getting burned out from the uphill, the trail rewards you with a decline or flat break.
At the top of the Dirty Harry’s Balcony hike, there are a couple lookout points with panoramic views of the cascade mountains, evergreen trees, and the valley.
2. Little Si
3.7 Miles / 1300 ft Elevation
Little Si is the smaller version of the Mount Si Hike. While Mount Si is difficult, long, and very steep, Little Si in manageable and has an almost as great view.
Little Si winds through the forest, past climbing walls, then to a viewpoint overlooking the valley and mountains.
The view at Little Si is like the view at Dirty Harry’s Balcony. If you have enjoyed one of these hikes, I highly recommend trying the other.
3. Rattlesnake Ledge
4.0 Miles / 1160 ft Elevation
Rattlesnake Ledge is probably the most popular easy hike near Seattle. On any sunny weekend day, expect the parking lot and trailhead to be packed.
With that said, it is one of my favorite hikes and I highly recommend giving it a chance.
The trail starts at Rattlesnake Lake, where you can paddleboard or kayak. The trail winds up the mountain at a steady incline that end at a rocky ledge that overlooks the lake, mountains, and other alpine lakes in the distance.
The ledge makes for a fantastic photo op but watch your footing because there have been fatalities from people falling.
4. Talapus and Olallie Lakes
6.2 Miles / 1220 ft Elevation
The best thing about the Talapus lake hike is that you can easily see two lakes in one trip. The hike winds through the forest and first stops at Talapus lake.
A couple miles later, you will run in to Olallie lake. Bothe are beautiful alpine lakes surrounded by trees. For a shorter hike, you can turn around after Talapus lake which will make it around 4 miles roundtrip.
Another fun fact about this hike is that it crosses a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, the famous trail that runs from Mexico to Canada.
5. Lake 22
5.4 Miles / 1350 ft Elevation
There are many great alpine lake hikes in Western Washington, but Lake 22 is one of the easiest near Seattle. Of all the hikes on this list, this is one of the best to do in the summer.
If its warm enough, you can celebrate reaching the peak with a swim in the glacial water. In other seasons, you may run into snow at the top, but it is beautiful, nonetheless.
6. Franklin Falls
2.0 Miles / 400 ft Elevation
Franklin Falls is the easiest hike on this list. It’s a great hike for families with young children because the trail is short, well-maintained, and relatively flat.
This hike is great year-round. In the summer, the waterfall will be flowing full force. In the winter, the waterfall will be frozen solid and look like a winter wonderland.
If you plan to visit in the winter, be aware of the roads leading to the trailhead. They can be very icy and have giant potholes.
Many people choose to avoid this portion of the road by parking a couple miles from the trailhead and extending their hike.
7. Poo Poo Point
7.2 Miles / 1748 ft Elevation
Poo Poo Point is the closest hike to Seattle on this list. Its near the town of Issaquah and has views of Seattle’s suburbs, Bellevue, and Lake Sammamish. While Poo Poo point is considered easy, it’s the steepest hike on this list.
The Poo Poo point peak is also the launch point for paragliders. When you reach the top, plan to sit around for a while to watch them take off then glide back towards ground. If you are brave enough, you can look into trying it for yourself!
8. Lake Annette
7.5 Miles / 1800 ft Elevation
Lake Annette is another great alpine lake hike near Seattle. It winds through the trees, past a waterfall, up to a large alpine lake surrounded by mountains and evergreen trees.
Be aware of river crossings and loose walks on the trail but overall it is well maintained. This is a hidden gem and will be slightly less busy than other hikes on this list.
9. Deception Pass – Rosario Head
5.0 Miles / 350 ft Elevation
The entire Deception Pass area on Whidbey Island is stunning. While there are great views from the beach and road, the best views of the deception pass bridge and Puget sound are from the top of the Rosario head hike.
The hike is quick and easy with the best view at the top. Save yourself time at the top to take in the panoramic views.
10. Snow Lake Trail
6.7 Miles / 1699 ft Elevation
The final hike on this list of easy hikes near Seattle is the Snow Lake trail. Hinted by the name, it is common to find snow at the top of this trail year-round.
The contrast between the snowy ground, snowcapped mountains, and bright blue lake is beautiful. If you are planning to hike Snow Lake in the winter, plan accordingly with hiking poles and winter boots.
In the summer, you can make the hike in tennis shoes as the snowline is only at the very top.
Other Great Hiking Regions in Western Washington
If you are looking for more great hikes in Western Washington, the state’s three national parks are a great place to find amazing trails.
North Cascades National Park– Located near the Canadian border, North Cascades National Park has bright blue lakes, larches in the fall, and many amazing viewpoints.
Mount Rainier National Park– My favorite National Park in Washington, Mount Rainier has a wide variety of hikes from trails on the mountain itself, to forest trails, and like hikes, there is no shortage of amazing hikes in Mount Rainier National Park.
Olympic National Park– On the Olympic peninsula, this national park has trails along the beach and through the rainforest. Hiking in Olympic National Park is still on my bucket list, but I hope to check it out soon.
Hiking Tips
Nature Passes
Many hikes near Seattle require either a Northwest Forest Pass or Discovery Pass to park at the trailhead.
If you plan to hike often in Western Washington, I recommend purchasing both passes at the beginning of the season and they will last you the year. Otherwise, day passes are available at the trailhead.
Avoiding Crowds
These beginner hikes in Western Washington are very popular and heavily trafficked due to their proximity to the city. To avoid the crowds, either visit during the week or in rainy weather.
A sunny weekday is the best option, but not always feasible if you work. A slightly rainy weekend in the next best option for avoiding the crowds if you are ok with weather a raincoat.
No matter when you visit, plan to arrive at the trailhead before 8 am to get a parking spot. Otherwise, you will have to park along the road which will extend the length and difficulty of your hike.
Researching More Hikes
There are so many great western Washington hikes for beginners, this list does not cover them all.
While these are my top ten recommendations, you can find other easy hikes near Seattle on the Washington Trails Association website or the All-Trails website/app.
My favorite way to find new hikes is with the All-Trails app. You can search based on location, distance, and elevation.
There are also filters for hikes that are loops, dog friendly, or feature certain element such as waterfalls or lakes. That’s how I was introduced to most of the hikes on this list.
Hiking Essentials
Packing and preparation are the best way to set yourself up for success. Wear sturdy shoes, layers of clothing, and bring a backpack stocked with protein-rich snacks and water. Below are my favorite hiking essentials:
My Favorite Easy Seattle Hikes
I love all the hikes in this guide and do them all every year. If you live in the state or are visiting, I highly recommend you check out a least a few of these amazing hikes.
If you are wondering where to start, the following hikes win for proximity, ease, and views.
Closest to Seattle- Poo Poo Point
Easiest- Franklin Falls
Best View- Deception Pass
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- The Best Seattle Weekend Trip Guide & Itinerary From A Local
- Things To Do In Mount Rainier National Park: Complete Visitors Guide
- Best Mount Rainier Day Hikes For Beginners
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